How to File an Auto Accident Claim
In states with no fault, your insurance company will pay for the cost of medical treatment and lost wages regardless of who is responsible for the incident. They'll also want to collect evidence and look over documents (photos, witness testimonies, medical records, and expense reports).
The amount of compensation you receive depends on the severity of injuries and expenses. This article will guide you through the steps involved in filing an auto accident claim.
Report the Accident
It's essential to notify a car crash as soon as possible. In many states, this is done by the local police or county sheriffs, state police or Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take photos of the scene of the accident if can. You can use these photos to help you remember the accident and to file a claim for insurance. For instance, photos could show skid marks, vehicle damage as well as weather conditions and other important details.
You should also get the details of the other driver, including their name and insurance company. If you can, ask for their driver's license and car registration.
It's also crucial to record your own report of the incident and what you saw and what transpired. Remember, memory is unreliable and if you fail to write down what happened then you could be at fault for any damages or injuries that are not apparent later on. If you don't notify your insurance company, they may not pay for any injuries that result from the accident. Go through your policy, or contact your agent to find out whether you are required to file an accident report.
Seek medical attention
Following a car accident, you should seek medical care and be examined to determine if there are any injuries. Seeing a doctor as soon as you can is a good way to avoid any future complications, and it can also strengthen your claim when it's time to negotiate with the insurance company.
If possible, it's best to visit a emergency room at a hospital after a car crash. auto accident lawsuit westminster is because hospitals have access to the best surgeons, physicians, and medical supplies. It can be challenging for insurance companies and defense lawyers to downplay injuries treated at the hospital.
Injuries from car accidents can range from minor bruising up to severe internal injuries, such as brain injuries that are traumatic and even paralysis. Even if there aren't any symptoms at first, such as stiffness or pain it is crucial to consult a doctor. These records will be vital in proving that you have suffered injuries resulting from the crash.
Our Denver car accident lawyers will utilize the medical records to create a strong case showing that the actions of the driver responsible for the accident caused your injuries and that you deserve an adequate amount of compensation for the damages you sustained.
Take Pictures
Photograph the accident site as soon as you can, ideally prior to police arrive. If you are able, capture all the damage to each vehicle from various vantage points. It is also crucial to capture closeup photos of the vehicles and any other evidence of importance (such as broken glass or airbags deployed) in the event that you are able to do so. If you aren't able to take close-ups of the vehicle you can place an object, such as a penny in the photo to give it scale. It's also helpful to capture photos using and without a flash, because different lighting conditions can reveal details that are not obvious.
You should also take pictures of any injuries you suffered in the accident. The photos will serve as valuable evidence later on. Bruises and cuts will fade with time. It's also a good idea for you to take photos of other items that relate to the incident (such as traffic signals, road signs weather conditions, road debris) because they can help paint a clearer picture of what transpired.
Contact Your Insurance Company
No matter if you're planning to file a car accident claim, you should contact your insurance company as soon as you can. You may be required to file a claim under your policy, but even if not legally required, your attorney will need evidence of your losses to support your claim (such as medical bills and repair expenses).
In addition to collecting your own vehicle's information and identifying any other drivers involved in the crash Also, you should collect any other relevant information that you can find at the scene, according to Luna. Request to see the insurance card of the driver who was involved in the accident and make sure you have their name and the address, number, and details about their car insurance (company and policy numbers). If witnesses are present, obtain their names and numbers.
While the last thing you want to do after a car accident is to argue with insurance companies, it's very important to remain calm. If you're emotionally charged your statements can be used against you later on in the process. It's best to let an attorney handle the negotiations. They can ensure that you don't say anything that could be used against you later on.
Contact an Attorney
An experienced lawyer can assist you in navigating the insurance company and obtain an equitable settlement. They will review all medical records and bills and consult with doctors to determine the extent and the severity of your injuries. Insurance companies will not give you a fair price if they aren't supplied with full and accurate documents.
You may be entitled non-economic damages like suffering and pain, in addition to your economic losses. If the other driver was found to have acted with a degree of gross carelessness or negligence the court can award additional compensation, referred to as punitive damages.
If the driver who was at fault fled the scene, you'll be required to report the incident to the police. You should also obtain a copy of the crash report from the police station or online. You will need this to make a no-fault claim or a liability lawsuit. New York has very specific rules that govern auto accidents. These laws are best explained by a knowledgeable attorney.